Olympic gold medalist Nastia Liukin attended the premiere of Simone Biles Rising Part II. The gymnastics icon who once inspired the 27-year-old felt inspired by the GOAT’s journey from adversity to recapturing Olympic gold. The experience moved Liukin so much that she couldn’t help but appreciate the 23-time world champion on Instagram.

“I’m sure I speak for most when I say that, beyond the medals you’ve won and the success you’ve achieved (the level of awe I have for you as an athlete will never diminish), perhaps the thing I’m most proud of is the person you’ve continued to be.” Nastia Liukin revealed in her post. The 34-year-old was proud that despite the worldwide fame, Biles never lost touch with her roots.

“The person behind the ‘GOAT.’ The role model, the advocate, the leader, the teammate, the daughter, the wife, the friend. The list goes on.” highlighted Liukin. Although Liukin retired after failing to make the 2012 Olympic team at the U.S. Trials, she has watched Simone Biles transition from a young rookie to an Olympic legend.

“Thank you for being the best example for generations to come. Even the generations who came before you can take away something from the inspiring story you’ve so graciously shared.” the five-time Olympic medalist at Beijing 2008 wrote without hesitation in her heartfelt message. Liukin’s well-thought-out message praised every aspect of the exceptional gymnast’s journey.

Simone Biles became an overnight, worldwide sensation after winning four gold medals at Rio 2016. Much like Stephen Nedoroscik earning the ‘Clark Kent’ moniker in Paris, Biles captured the imagination of the sports world in 2016. Since then, has won 12 world championship golds, has redeemed herself after the disaster at Tokyo 2020, become a leader.

At 27, Biles became the oldest female gymnast to win all-around Olympic gold in U.S. history. Despite bearing the heavy burden of expectations, the Olympian also led from the front. As the most experienced gymnast in the squad, Biles proved herself as the protective leader and teammate even before the Olympics.

How Simone Biles stood up for her Paris 2024 teammates

The 2024 U.S. Olympic trials were a moment of celebration for Biles, Sunisa Lee, Jordan Chiles, Jade Carey, and Hezly Rivera. The Paris 2024 team was a showcase of talents from different generations, with 16-year-old Hezly Rivera being the youngest. However, Biles’ former teammate Mikaela Skinner’s comments soured their achievement.

“Besides Simone, I feel like the talent and the depth just isn’t what it used to be. I mean, obviously, a lot of girls don’t work as hard. The girls just don’t have the work ethic,” the Olympic silver medalist said after watching the Olympic Trials. Her comments invited outrage from the entire gymnastics community. However, it was Simone Biles who had the last laugh.

On the day Team USA reclaimed their team title at Bercy Arena, Biles took to Instagram to directly address Skinner’s comments. “Lack of talent, lazy, Olympic champions,” the Olympic gold medalist wrote on Instagram. While Biles didn’t take any names, everyone understood who she addressed. “I just felt like it was right in that moment to stand up for them,” the Olympian told PEOPLE on August 6.

“They’re so young, and they haven’t fully stood in their power yet,” added Team USA’s leader. So it’s no surprise that Nastia Liukin went beyond the GOAT moniker to praise all that the champion stands for.